Thomas W's 2008 Dodge Ram

My love for all things audio started back in the '90s when I built my first speaker enclosure. After joining Crutchfield in 2007, I spent seven years as an Advisor, designing A/V systems for homes, cars, and the occasional party bus. These days I specialize in home speakers and amplifiers, focusing on translating technical jargon into easy-to-understand language. Outside of work, I'm a hobbyist photographer, and enjoy visiting our national parks.

Items installed:

Installation Description

I wanted to add a head unit with Bluetooth and iPod controls built in. I installed the sony MEX-BT3700 with free XAMC10 external mic from Crutchfield. Install was a snap with the free wiring harness and instructions.

The new head unit has so many features that the next logical step was to change out the factory speakers with (4) new Infinity Reference 6032si shallow mount speakers for my doors. My front doors handle 6"x9" but I wanted to use the same speakers in the front and rear doors and needed the 6 3/4" shallow mounts for the rear doors. The Infinity speakers sound great and have good bass for my type of music but I just wanted a little oomph on the bottom end so I purchased the JVC BB-CS 6" compact powered sub-woofer for that reason. The compact sub would fit under my front seat but I mounted it under my fold down cup holder so the seat would not muffle the sound and I could remove it easy if parking at the airport for a few days.

Due to picking up all of the equipment on sale, I was able to install a great sounding system, that allows me to keep my eyes on the road and not on my IPOD or phone, for under $450.00 and does not take up any additional room in my truck.

Q&A Section

Why did you decide to upgrade your A/V system?

The Dodge Stock Stereo and Speakers were not very good and I wanted IPOD controls and bluetooth features

What's the first thing you show people about your installation?

My Sony Head Unit and Compact Powered Sub-woofer

Why did you choose these products?

Infinity Speakers because of reputation and sound quality, Sony head unit because of features and cost, JVC Compact sub because of size

What was the most difficult part of the installation?

Nothing at all!! Very simple install and crutchfield send all wiring harnesses and instructions

I really like the simple, clean look achieved here. I agree that the factory equipment is very limited and I look forward to saving up enough money to take on this job soon, very likely with products like those you offer in your photos and description. Thanks for sharing.